Caster socket



June 10, 1941- o. c. ROTH ETAL 2,244,805

CASTER SOCKET Filed Feb. 16, 1939 El. 1215.v 3

20 /0 Z6 Hzlz 32- n,

PIE'. L PIE'. q.-

/24l q D0 Patented June 10, 1941 CASTER SOCKET Oscar C. Roth and Bernard Wilming, Evansville, Ind., assignors to Faultless Caster Corporation, Evansville, Ind., a corporation Application February 16, 1939, Serial No. 256,617

Claims.

This invention relates to a caster socket.

The socket may be of many different forms basically. However, it is illustrated herein of the general type represented by the patent issued to James F. Gail, N0. 1,424,466, August 1, 1922,?.M

and W. A. Vollmer, No. 1,761,319, June 3, 1930. It is apparent from an examination of these patents that the socket is of the detachable caster stem receiving and retaining type and is inserted into a tubular leg and the spring arm portions frictionally engage the interior of the tubular leg for a considerable portion of the periphery, reference being had to a transverse section.

It will also be apparent that these patents disclose a socket with a central chamber which re-fi ceives the stem and which chamber is partially closed by the spring arm portions of the socket having side edge portions turned angularly or arcuately of the major portion of the arm portion. Herein each of these patented disclosures" shows the stem being retained by indented neck portions in the tube of the socket. Herein also each of these patents discloses a track-plate with an upturned collar deiining its central aperture and providing an elongated pintle or stem bear-E` ing.

The invention herein disclosed is illustrated in such form that the lower ends of the socket arms are turned outwardly for engagement with the lower end of the tubular leg and thence downwardly and inwardly toward each other, forming opposed grooves which are coplanar and seat the track-plate, or the groove is formed on the trackplate and the same seats outwardly directed tongues on the lower ends of the spring frame arms with the lower end of the leg engaging the track-plate peripheral portion retaining the arms. l

Other methods of frame and track-plate connection are equally as suitable, but the same are equivalents, relatively speaking, and the present invention may be incorporated in any one of these several types of socket structures.

It will be understood that the sockets disclosed in the two beforementioned patents, of neces-` elongated bearing for the upper end of the pintle. When these considerations have to be satised, heretofore it has been the practice to provide a split ring or band and have the same carried by the stem or by the track-plate for -detachably retaining the stem in the socket.

The provision of a stem carried split retainer includes certain objections well known in the art. The provision of a track-plate supported split retainer structure also has certain inherent disadvantages, now being well recognized in the art.

The present invention is directed to a pintle retainer which is positioned in the socket cham ber, previously described, and which when associated with a caster stem, frictionally engages the same and forms a retaining member but which may be free to rotate with the stem when the latter is mounted in the socket.

As previously stated, one of the chief characteristic distinctions of the present invention is the provision of a socket supported stem retainer which is not of split character, whereby said retainer has certain inherent advantages by reason of the fact that it is not split.

The chief object of this invention is to provide a socket structure of the general character hereinbefore set forth, with a chamber retained stem retainer which, if desired, is capable of rotation with the stem when the stem is operatively associated with the socket, and which socket rotatably supports said stem with a minimum of lateral play incident tosaid support.

The full nature of the invention will be understood from the accompanying drawing and the following description and claims:

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a central sectional view of a socket embodying the invention, and is taken on line I--I of Fig. 2 and in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 2 is a top plan view of the socket shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of a modiiied form of the retainer member.

Fig. 4 is a central sectional View through the same.

Fig. 5 is a similar view of a modified form of stem retainer.

Fig. 6 is a similar View of still a further modified form of the invention.

Fig. 7 is a similar view of a further modifiedv form of the invention.

Fig. 8 is a view of still a further modied form of the invention.

Fig. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 1 and of the lower portion of the socket illustrating a modified form thereof.

Fig. 10 is a View similar to Fig. 9 and of a modiiied form including rigidly anchored stem retainer, as distinguished from the slidably or loosely mounted forms illustrated in the other gures.

As set forth initially herein, the socket structure, broadly speaking, is conventionally illustrated, and it is to be understood such illustration is by way of example only because the other forms of sockets mentioned, now well known in the art, and including a spring frame arrangement and a track-plate, are the full equivalents of the present example.

In Figs. 1 and 2 there is illustrated, for example, a track-plate l having a central aperture II adapted for pintle reception. It is `dened by an upturned collar I2 of any suitable length, providing a relatively elongated pintle bearing. The pintle closely ts in said bearing when Vinserted in the socket.

Herein the frame structure is shown formed from a strap with the central portion providing a tubular arrangement I3 in axial alignment with the aperture II. The upper end of said tubular arrangement is closed as at I4 and ii desired, a centering arrangement I5 may be formed therein, as is well known in the art, or any other form of top .bearing may be utilized. The tubular portion has diverging therefrom in the present instance, Itwo arched portions I6, the lower ends of which are extended downwardly as at I'I forming the frame arms.

The peripheral outline of the track-plate and the shape of these arms in transverse section, conforms Wholly and in part, respectively, to the interior of the 'tubular leg, illustrated in Fig. 1, and designated by the letter A. As indicated in the Vollmer patent, Ithisframe socket may be a square socket, as it is known in the industry. It may be also circular, as represented by the Gail patent disclosure. Herein the lower end of each arm is directed outwardly as at I8 forming a ledge portion upon which bears the lower end B of 'the leg A. The outwardly directed portion I8 is then directed'downwardly as at I9 and thence inwardly as at 2E. This forms, when two arms are utilized, a pair of opposed grooves which clampingly receive the opposite edge portions of the track-plate I6. As previously set forth, all of the aforesaid is a conventional disclosure.

If desired, the arms may be enlarged laterally outwardly, as indicated at 2I, to form longitudinal bearing elements. Adjacent the same, there is formed inwardly directed tongues 22. Since there are two arms herein, four of said tongues are illustrated, although more may be provided if desired. The same are formed by slitting the arms as at 23 slightly or immediately above the outwardly directed portion I8 of said arms.

The stem retaining member herein is shown of disc-like character and lthe same may =be of any suitable material. In Figs. 1 and 2, one of the simplest forms of said retainer is illustrated. The same herein includes al flat or slightly dished plate portion 24, the peripheral edge 25 of which is slightly less in circumference or perimeter than the interior circumference or perimeter of the chamber forming spring arms. Thus, the retainer is capable of slight lateral play.

The retainer includes a central aperture 2 defined by collar portion 21 and this preferably is connected to the plate portion 24 by the l-` 75 leted portion 28. Thus the stem enters the aperture II, and then the aperture 26 in the collar portion 2l of the disc 24, and by reason of the lleted portion 28 the top of the stem in 'the entering movement is guided into central relation relative to said aperture 26 in said disc.

The metal from which the collar portion 21 is formed, if the same be utilized, and whereby aperture 26 is formed, is not blanked out but is retained and the central portion subsequently forming said aperture is split radially and the tongue portions are split radially, as indicated at 29, forming tongue portions 36 which are directed upwardly, and if desired, the upper free ends thereof may be turned outwardly as indicated at 3i. Any suitable number of tongues may be provided, preferably 3 or more, and usually 4 are utilized. As the stem enters the socket passing through aperture II, it passes through the aperture 26 and in so doing forces the tongues outwardly toward the spring arms and thus the retaining disc is frictionally retained on` the stem and will rotate therewith when the stem is rotated, by reason of the clearance, previously mentioned, existing between the peripheral edge of the'disc and the spring arms. The disc retainer is of such character that the stem may be forcibly moved longitudinally relative to the disc until the top of the stern engages the top bearing I4 or I5, if provided.

It will be obvious that the disc does not follow the stem in its upward movement in said socket because the upper face of the disc engages the lower inturned ends of the tongues 22. Thus, the disc has limited longitudinal movemen't compared to the longitudinal movement oi the stem in the socket incident to insertion and withdrawal of the same and that by reason of the structural arrangement the disc is retained in the chamber at all times and forms a unitary part of the socket. Preferably, but not essentially, the disc 24 rides the top'edge of the collar I2 when the pintle is withdrawn but will bear on the track-plate I6 if 'the collar I2 be downwardly directed.

To prevent locking of the disc to the socket when slight relative movement therebetween is desired, and the form of track-plate and arm connection shown in Fig. 1 be employed, there is provided on the edge of the stem retaining disc, a peripheral flange. This form of the-invention is illustrated in Figs. 3 andV 4 wherein numerals of the series indicate like or similar parts. The numeral 32 in Fig. 1 indicates a possible groove in which the disc plate peripheral'edge might be accidentally engaged. If such a loose disc becomes thus entrapped, it would not lie parallel to the track-plate I6 but would be cocked or biased relative to the plane thereof. Of course, if the disc is to be permanently associated with the two major portions of the socket the peripheral edge thereof could be included inthe trackplate and spring arm connection and` in that event the tongues 22 need not be employed except as a safety factor in the event the disc plate accidentally becomes ydisassociated.

When this form. of the invention is utilized, the disc would be dished in a reverse'direction from that illustrated in Fig. 1 and to a materially greater degree such as illustrated in Figs. '6 and 9 so as to position the tongue portions 'ab'ove the plane of the aperture and at least 'above the plane of the upper end of thel collar` I2,'if 'the collar be employed and upwardly directed.

'In Fig. 10 there is 'illustrated such a rigidly anchored stern retainer. In said figure, numerals of the 900 series indicate like or comparable parts to the parts in the other gures having similar numerals.

The cooperation between the several parts is such as previously described except herein the frame ends rigidly anchor the stem retaining member to the socket. Members 932 may or may not be provided. If provided, they Would merely constitute a safety stop for retainer engagement, if upon stem association therewith, the resistance to same was suilicient to withdraw the retainer from the frame end grooves. Such is a remote possibility only and probably neverwould occur.

However, when a relatively free disc is ernployed and accidental cooking or locking is to be prevented, the disc |24-see Figs. 3 and 4-is provided with an angular and herein upturned flange |33. It will be quite obvious that this upturning prevents the free edge of the disc becoming lockingly engaged as at 3 2, see Fig. 1.

In a similar manner, the form of the invention illustrated in Fig. 5 may be provided with the peripheral flange which herein vis shown, downwardly directed as indicated at 233.

Whenever greater strength is required in the disc, the disc may be oiset, as indicated at 334- see Fig. 6-and connected thereto is portion 335. If a flange similar to flange 133 is desired, the same may be provided as indicated at 333. If desired, the ange may be oppositely directed-- see for example iiange 233, Fig. 5.

'Ihe invention is not necessarily restricted to a metallic disc. There is illustrated in Fig. 7 a disc of rubber-like material, the same being indicated by the numeral I1124 and provided with the central aperture 426, the entrancel to which is flared as at 428. This disc is of appreciable thickness. It is resilient. It has the desired frictional retaining force and the required bodily stiffness so it will not inherently bulge to that degree sufficient to escape from beneath the tongues 22 of the spring arms, as illustrated in Fig. 1.

Whenever it is desired to secure additional frictional gripping, the rubber-like structure shown in Fig. 8 may be employed and herein the aperture 526 is deiined by an upwardly directed collar portions 521, integral with the body portion 524. As previously stated, this disc should be of such strength that it also cannot escape from the tongues 22 by bulging upwardly at its central portion upon the insertion of the pintle. Whenever necessary or desirable, therefore, there may be included therein a reenforcing member, as indicated at 540, constituting a disc-like portion.

Whenever it is further desired to reenforce the upwardly directed tubular enlargement 521, such reenforcement 540 may include the upwardly directed reenforcing portion 54|. The member 540 or the member S40-54|, if the latter addition be employed, is preferably fully imbedded within the rubber-like material which may be of molded character, although not necessarily restricted thereto. The resiliency of the wall of the aperture 426 or 526 of these disc-like members, is sufficient, in many instances, for the frictional retention of a pintle into a stem.

The employment of a rubber-like disc in place of a metallic disc, eliminates the rattling noise incident to the use of a free metallic disc retainer, and thus the two last mentioned embodiments of the invention are of relatively silent character.

It will be quite obvious that While herein the disc retainer frictionally engages' the stem in close proximity to the elongated lower pintle bearing in the socket or track-plate, the disc may be suitably formed so as to engage the pintle or stem when inserted at a considerable distance thereabove, all without modifying the basic character of this disclosure.

In Fig. 9 a modied form of socket is illustrated. Herein numerals of the 600 series -indicate parts like or similar to parts illustrated in other figures and correspondingly designated.

This form differs solely in that the track-plate GIU is provided between the same and collar 6l2 with a flared portion 6|I formed as a continua- .tion of a downwardly directed portion 6l la. Herein the disc plate 624 is of simple form, being similar to that illustrated in Fig. 1 but including the downwardly directed portion 6,34 and the laterally directed outer portion 635. The aforesaid track-plate construction provides an yenlarged or more elongated pintle bearing as well as a stiffer or stronger structure. The disc plate by reason of its offset formation is stronger than that shown in Fig. 1, and to a certain extent form a chamber nesting collar SI2 of the track plate GID.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in great detail in the drawing and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. l

The several modiiications described herein as well as others which will readily suggest themselves to persons skilled in this art, all are considered to be within the broad scope of the invention, reference being had to the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:

1. In a caster socket including a track-plate and a spring arm frame structure operatively connected together to form a relatively clear chamber therebetween, the structure being arranged to form a peripheral restricting chamber arrangement and adjacent its upper end having inwardly directed portions terminating in an elongated tubular bearing opposite the plate and coaxial with an aperture in the plate for caster stem reception, the combination of a disc type member in said chamber and correspondingly apertured for stem reception, means adjacent the member aperture and carried by the member and frictionally engaging a stem when seated in the chamber for detachable connection of the stem and socket, the periphery of said member having cooperative association with portions of the spring arm structure for limiting movement of the member, the stem being removable from the socket upon forcible axial pull applied to the stem, the arm structure included cooperating portions comprising inwardly directed tongues integral with the arm structure.

2. In a caster socket including al track-plate and a spring arm frame structure operatively connected together to form a relatively clear chamber therebetween, the structure being arranged to form a peripheral restricting chamber arrangement and adjacent its upper end having inwardly directed portions terminating in an elongated tubular bearing opposite the plate and coaxial with an aperture in the plate for caster stem reception, the combination of a disc type member in said chamber and correspondingly apertured for stem reception, means adjacent the member aperture and carried by the member and frictionally engaging a stern when seated in the chamber for detachable connection of the stem and socket, the periphery of said member having cooperative association with portions of the spring arm structure for limiting movement of the member, the stem being removable from the socket upon forcible axial pull applied to the stem, the arm structure included cooperating portions being positioned adjacent the arm and plate connection, and comprising inwardly and plate directed tongues integral with the arm structure.

3. In a caster socket including a track-plate and a spring arm frame structure operatively connected together to form a relatively clear chamber therebetween, the structure being arranged to form a peripheral restricting chamber arrangement and adjacent its upper end having inwardly directed portions terminating in an elongated tubular bearing opposite the plate and coaxial with an aperture in the plate for caster stem reception, the combination of a disc type member in said chamber and correspondingly apertured for stem reception, means adjacent the member aperture and carried by the member and frictionally engaging a stem when seated in the chamber for detachable connection of the stem and socket, the periphery of said member having cooperative association with portions of the spring arm structure for limiting movement of the member, the stem being removable Vfrom the socket upon forcible axial pull applied to the stem, the disc-like member including a peripheral flange portion directed angularly of the body portion thereof other than at the aperture.

4. In a caster socket including a track-plate and a spring arm frame structure operatively vconnected together to form a relatively clear chamber therebetween, the structure being arranged to form a peripheral restricting chamber arrangement and adjacent its upper end having inwardly directed portions terminating in an elongated tubular bearing opposite the plate and coaxial with an aperture in the plate for caster stem reception, the combination of a disc type member in said chamber and correspondingly apertured for stem reception, means adjacent the member aperture and carried by the member and frictionally engaging a stem when seated in the chamber for detachable connection of the stem and socket, the periphery of said member hav-ing cooperative association with portions of the spring arm structure for limiting movement of the member, the stem being removable from the socket upon forcible axial pull applied to the stem, the disc-like member including an offset portion adjacent its peripheral edge.

5. In a caster socket including a track-plate and a spring arm frame structure operatively vconnected together to form a relatively clear chamber therebetween, the structure being arranged to form a peripheral restricting chamber arrangement and adjacent its upper end having inwardly directed portions terminating in an elongated tubular bearing opposite the plate and coaxial with an aperture in the plate for caster stem reception, the combination of a disc type member in said chamber and correspondingly apertured for stem reception, means adjacent the member aperture and carried by the member and frictionally engaging a stem when seated in the chamber for detachable connection of the stem and socket, the periphery of said member having cooperative association with portions or the spring arm structure for limiting movement of the member, the stem being removable from the socket upon forcible axial pull applied to the stem, the disc-like member including an oitset portion adjacent its peripheral edge and a peripheral ange portion directed angularly of the body portion.

OSCAR C. ROTH. BERNARD WILMING. 

